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West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson reveals Liam Ryan plays through soreness to star against Carlton Blues

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
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VideoLiam Ryan kicks the goal of the day against Carlton.

West Coast fans were nearly denied a vintage Liam Ryan hanger this week after senior coach Adam Simpson revealed the livewire overcame significant soreness to play a starring role in the Eagles win over Carlton.

It comes as midfielder Dom Sheed revealed he needed an injection to play through an AC joint issue and will be sent for scans this week.

Already missing key forward line personnel in the likes of Josh Kennedy and Oscar Allen, Ryan reprised the lead-up full-forward role which saw drafted from Subiaco in 2017.

And the All-Australian thrived, kicking a game-high four goals to go with 17 touches and nine marks, including a spectacular but regulation mark of the year contender over Liam Stocker in the third quarter.

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Ryan’s day looked set to be over late when he exited the Sydney Cricket Ground with a hamstring complaint but the cramp was the least of the 24-year-olds worries according to Simpson.

“He looked sore at the airport, on the plane, during the captain's run, after he took his mark,” Simpson said.

Liam Ryan takes just another contender for mark of the week.
Camera IconLiam Ryan takes just another contender for mark of the week. Credit: Matt King/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos

“But he was really important for us. I’m really proud of him.

“He’s got to get a bit more elite in his recovery this week but he’s fine.

“For him to stand up in the big moments was critical for us. We were missing some forwards so I’m proud of Liam for that.”

Speaking post-match, Ryan said he was still building back to his best form after playing his third game back from a shin complaint.

“Just coming back from injury and getting going again,” Ryan told Fox Footy.

“I’ve found it pretty hard at the back end of quarters but I’ve got to work my way through it.

“JK told midway during the week he wasn’t playing and I thought I’d take his spot. I’ve done that before so I know what it feels like.”

Simpson revealed Ryan wasn’t the only Eagle who played through soreness, with West Coast also set to lose Brad Sheppard to the AFL’s 12-day concussion protocol after a sickening collision with Adam Saad early.

West Coast were due to enjoy their bye this weekend but will instead face Richmond after the AFL moved their Round 14 clash forward by a week.

“We have a couple of boys who manfully worked through the game who were pretty sore,” Simpson said.

“Shannon Hurn is building back into his season. Elliot Yeo is the same.

“The problem we have at the moment is we get two back next week and we might lose two.

“It would have been good to have a bye.

“We honestly think we’ve had it really good as a club this year. A lot of teams have dealt with far worse than us. We sleep in our beds so we’ll do whatever it takes to keep the competition going.”

Simpson was also pleased with the efforts of West Coast’s youth, including Luke Edwards on debut along with Luke Foley (three games), Bailey Williams (eight games), Xavier O’Neill (10 games) and Harry Edwards (five games).

“We need to transition and develop the youngsters coming through,” he said.

“We’ve got Sydney in a few weeks back here so they should get a lot of confidence out of tonight.”

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